Method and apparatus for filling and packing containers



R. C. CLARK June 1, 1965 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING AND PACKINGCONTAINERS INVENTOR.

ROBERT C. CLARK ATTORNEY! NOE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 1, 1962 R. C.CLARK June 1, 1965 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING AND PACKINGCONTAINERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 1, 1962 INVENTOR.

ROBERT C. CLARK ATTORNEY R. C. CLARK June 1, 1965 METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR FILLING AND PACKING CONTAINERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 1, 1962INVENTOR.

ROBERT C. CLARK BY M, ATTORNEYS June 1, 1965 R. c. CLARK 3,185,448

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING AND PACKING CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 1,1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ROBERT C. CLARK v 3 iwa 0 n .9 NO

J PC M 14 4, MW

A TTORNEYS June 1, 1965 R. c. CLARK 3,186,448

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING AND PACKING CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 1,1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 K M R m o 3 m C 3N E w W M E 1 m 9a 33 n 58 a: 1:3

N 3mm JNMN n ma E n 0% Tim 1 M N an 5% J. Z I Q/Tm m NN k 3 8. w- 5ATTORNEYS June 1, 1965 R. c. CLARK 3,186,443

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING AND PACKING CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 1,1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 27l Ll M J 296 H H.

INVENTOR ROBERT C. CLARK 5 I L J i or containers for aging and shipment.

and the second container.

3,186,448 7 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING AND PACKING CONTAINERSRobert C. Clark, Asheville, N.C., assignor to Engineering AssociatesIncorporated, Asheville, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina FiledNov. 1, 1962, Ser. No. 234,956

23 Claims. (Cl. 141-42) This invention relates to apparatus for fillingand packing containers with fibrous compressible material, and moreparticularly to apparatus for filling and packing hogsheads withtobacco.

In the tobacco industry, tobacco is stored in hogsheads The tobacco maybe cut, stripped or in whole leaf form when placed in the containers andis generally transported to the containers by means of belt conveyorswhich feed the material into the containers at a relatively constantrate. The tobacco is discharged in a trajectory from the conveyor in atow or bat of approximately rectangular cross section, the verticalthickness of which is determined by the speed of the conveyor.

After a container positioned at the discharge end of the conveyor isfilled, the tobacco is compressed toward the bottom of the container,and the container is then covered and placed in storage for the tobaccoto age. As soon as the filled container is removed from its position, anempty container is put in its place to be filled. It is desirabletherefore, to complete the cycle of filling, compressing, closing,removing and replacing with the greatest speed and with the leastinterruption.

US. Patent No. 1,380,674, dated June 7, 1921, discloses apparatus forfilling a pair of horizontally spaced containers and compressing thematerial in each container while it is in its original position. In theMurray et al. apparatus, a pivoted hopper alternately directs acontinuous stream of material from one to the other of two laterallydisposed bins to deposit a measured quantity of material into each bin,the bins each being disposed to deposit the material into one of thehorizontally spaced containers, each of which in turn is positionedbeneath a hydraulic ram orpressing plunger. While one of the containersis being filled, the material in the other container is being compressedby the hydraulic ram.

US. Patent No. 2,596,018, datedMay 6, 1952, discloses another system foralternately filling a pair of horizontally spaced containers by means ofa horizontal reversible conveyor disposed between the containers.Tobacco is fed onto the midpoint of thereversible conveyor to form alayer over one-half the length of the reversibleconveyor which isdischarged into a delivery chute or distributor positioned axially abovethe container. -When one of the containers is filled, the reversibleconveyor is reversed to fill the container at its other end positionedbeneath a second delivery chute. containers is reversed, however, thematerial already deposited on the conveyor is carried back past the feedconveyor and consequently a double thickness of the hat or layer isinitially formed over approximately one-half the length of thereversible conveyor between its midpoint This initial hat of doublethickness frequently clogs the chute or distributor requiring theoperation to be temporarily stopped in order to unclog the chutes.

If the material is discharged directly into the container from the endof the conveyor, the tobacco is unevenly distributed in the containerresulting in the mass of tobacco being packed more tightly in the middlethan at the sides resulting in uneven processing of thetobacco duringageing. Various types ofdistributors have been proposed forlcausing thetobacco to be uniformly distrib- When the conveyor between the UnitedStates Pat uted in the container. Such distribution is usuallyaccompiished by means of rotating distributors positioned in the path offlow from the conveyor to the container. Obviously, such systems aremechanically complex and expensive to manufacture.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus for alternatelydelivering a continuous stream or bat of material into a pair ofhorizontally spaced containers, alternately filling each container, wtihthe stream or bat of material maintained at a constant cross-section andthickness throughout the filling operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus for fillingcontainers with cut tobacco and compress ing the tobacco in thecontainers with a simplified, economically constructed distributor foruniformly distributing the cut tobacco into the container.

Still another object is to alternately direct a continuous stream oftobacco from one to the other of two horizontally spaced containers withthe stream of material discharged into the containers at a constant,uniform cross section.

A further object lies in the provision of an improved apparatus forfilling a container with a uniformly distributed mass of fibrousmaterial and compressing the material in the container to its properdensity in a single operation with the container remaining in itsoriginal position for the filling and pressing operation.

The foregoing and'other objects are achieved by the provision of a pairof horizontally spaced pressing direction to discharge material intotheir respective containers. Tobacco or other compressible material isfed to the delivery conveyors by means of a feed conveyor having its enddisposed at a point intermediate the opposite ends of the deliveryconveyors from the containers. Flow from the feed conveyor is directedfrom one to the other of the delivery conveyors by means of a pivotedbaflie or deflector mounted at the end of the feed conveyor. Cylindricalchargers are positioned over the containers and the tobacco is deflectedby the bafile first into one of the con tainers until the charger isfilled to the desired level,

. whereupon the deflector is pivoted to direct the flow on to thedelivery conveyor of the other, container. The thickness of the hat ortow of tobacco discharged into the containers is controlled by the speedof the conveyors (which may be adjusted to compensate for changes in thegrade of tobacco or moisture conditions, etc.). Since the deliveryconveyors move only in a single direction, and 'sincethere is adeliveryconveyor for each container, the bat of material has a uniformthickness throughout as it is discharged into the container. Theconveyors may be driven by separate motors or, they may beinterconnected to a single motor and driven at the same speed.

When one of the containers is filled, the hydraulic pressing plunger forthe filled container may bethen excontainer, a conical, vibratingdistributor is positioned axially above the mouth of the container inthe path of flow of the material from the delivery conveyor. The conicaldistributor is disposed with its apex in an upward direction in axialalignment with the flow of mater al to rada'lly deflect the materialtoward the inner periphery of the container wall. In one form of theinvention, the

distributor is mounted on a lever pivotally supported on a frameadjacent the plunger, with a counter-weight on the end of the leverabove the plunger biasing the lever to pivotally retract the distributorout of the path of the plunger. The lever is actuated by a cam memberengageable by the plunger as the plunger moves to its upper retractedposition to rotate the lever against the force of the counterweight toposition the distributor axially above the container. Thus as theplunger descends to compress material in the container, thecounterweight causes the distributor to be retracted out of the path ofthe plunger. Upon retraction of the plunger to start another fillingoperation, the plunger actuates the cam to again position thedistributor in the path of flow from the delivery conveyor, the cammember being supported by the plunger to overcome the force of thecounter-weight.

In another form of the invention, the distributors are moved in and outof position relative to the containers by fluid motors operated bysolenoid valves. The solenoid valves for the fluid motors areelectrically connected with the pressing plunger controls so that whenthe distributors are retracted, their associated pressing plungers areactuated to compress the material in the container, and upon retractionof the pressing plunger, the distributors are extended into theoperative position over the mouth of the container.

For complete automatic operation, the de'ector may be electricallyinterconnected with the distributors and pressing plungers to beactuated to its alternate positions in response to correspondingactuation of the press and distributor controls.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the followingdescription taken in connection With the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view, partially in section, of a system embodyingthe invention in its preferred form;

FIG. 1a illustrates an alternate construction of the defiector;

FIG. 2 is an end view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

'FIG. 3 is an e'levational view, partially in section, of a modifiedform of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an end view taken on line 44- of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the control system for the embodiment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5a is a detailed view of the prefill valves;

FIG. 5b is a detailed view of pilot pressure actuated valve;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are wiring diagrams for the motor and press controlsrespectively of the system of FIGS. 1 and 5;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another system embodying the invention;and

FIG. 9 is a Wiring diagram for the system of FIG. 8.

With reference to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1% denotes a supportingframe, or housing, extending between two horizontally spaced receivingstations at which a pair of containers 12 and 12L are located to befilled and packed. Since the filling and pressing apparatus to the leftof housing '10, as viewed in FIG. 1, differs from that at the right handside only in being left and right handed, only the right-hand apparatuswill be described in detail. Like reference numerals will be employed todesignate corresponding parts of the left hand pressing and fillingapparatus with the sub-script L added to reference numenals designatingspecific parts of the left hand apparatus.

Housing 10 supports the discharge end of a feed conveyor 14 positionedintermediate the adjacent inner ends of a pair of delivery conveyors 16and 16L disposed to discharge material into containers 12 and 12L,respectively. Conveyors 16 and 16L are in the form of endless beltswhich move in a single direction to discharge ma terial into containers.Since the grade, weight, density and moisture content of the tobaccovaries over a wide range, the conveyors preferably are driven byvariable speed motors to accommodate the varying conditions of thetobacco.

For alternately deflecting the how from feed conveyor 14 irom one to theother of delivery conveyors 16 and fteL, a fiap valve or deflector 18 ismounted on a pin 20 rotatably supported on housing 141 between conveyor14 and the ends of conveyors 16 and 16L. When deflect-or lie is in thefull line position indicated in FIG. 1, the flow of material from feedconveyor '14 is deflected on to delivery conveyor 16 to be dischargedinto container 12, and when deflector :13 is pivoted to the broken lineposition illustrated in FIG. 1, the flow of material is deflected on toconveyor 16L for discharge into container 12L.

Deflector 18 may be a unitary structure as illustrated in PEG. 1, or inorder to reduce the res stance to actuation from one position to theother due to the weight of mate-rial falling from feed conveyor 14, analternate con struction is illustrated in FIG. la. In FIG. 1a, adeflector 18' comprises a pair of section 13a and 18b hinged about pin24 iie. section 1530! and 18!) are independently pivot- Efiblfi aboutpin 2%.

Actuation of deflector 18 is accomplished by means of a lever 17 mountedon a rod 19 which is pivotally mounted in frame 1d.

In the position illustrated in FIG. In, section 18b is supported betweenpin 20 and a stop member 21L formed on housing 10, and section 13a issupported in its upper position by the end of lever 17. Upon clockwiserotation of rod 19 and lever 17, section 18a is released and rotatesclockwise about pin 2%) until it comes to rest against stop member 21.Lever 17 continues to rotate in a clockwise direction to pivot section1852 upwardly until it reaches a position to deflect the flow from thefeed conveyor onto the right-hand delivery conveyor 16.

Mounted on a pair of beams forming a fixed support 21 above container 12in axial alignment therewith, is a hydraulic ram or pressing plunger 22which is extensible from its retracted position spaced above thecontainer (the position illustrated in FIG. 1) to compress the materialreceived in container 12. The tobacco is discharged from deliveryconveyor 16 in a continuous stream of approximately rectangular crosssection to fill container 12 and a cylindrical charger 24 supported onthe upper end of the container. When the proper amount of material isreceived in charger 24, the flow from conveyor 16 is shut oh? andplunger 22 is extended into the charger to compress the tobacco into thecontainer.

Pressing plunger 22 may be operated in a conventional manner by ahydraulic cylinder 26 in which is reciprocably mounted rod 28 of thepressing plunger. Pressing plunger 22 moves into and out of thecontainer and charger through a shield Iiii fixedly supported above thecontainer at the end of housing 10.

As the material falls from the discharge end of delivery conveyor 16into the container, it is radially deflected towards the periphery ofcontainer 12 by a conical distributor 32 which is pivotally supportedadjacent plunger 22. Distributor 32 is extended into the path of flowwhen plunger 22 is retracted and is retracted out of the path ofmovement of plunger 22 when the container is filled and the pressingplunger is extended.

Mounted within the distributor 32 is a mechanical or electrical vibrator34. As the hat of material falls onto the apex of the conicaldistributor, the vibration increases the efficiency of the distributorin breaking up the bat of material and deflecting the material radiallytoward the periphery of the container, and also prevents particles ofthe material from clinging to the surface of the cone.

Vibrators particularly suitable are pulsating magnet electricalvibrators Models V-9 and V-15, sold under the trade name Syntron by theSyntron Company of Homer City, Pa. The latter Syntron electric vibratorsoperate at 3600 vibrations per minute from rectified 115 or 230 volt 50or 60 cycle alternating current.

Distributor 32 is mounted on one end of a plate member 36 forming partof a lever indicated generally by reference numeral 35. Plate member 36is clamped at its other end between a pair of plates 38 and 40 (FIG. 2)by bolts or screws 39. Plates 38 and 40 are rigidly connected to a shaft42 which is rotatably supported at its ends between bearings or journals44 and 46. Distributor 32 is vertically adjustable relative to plates 38and 40, by means of slots 41 formed in plate 36 through which bolts 39extend. Bearings 44 and 46 are formed respectively on a pair of members48 and 50 of a supporting framework indicated generally at 53. Framemembers 48 and 50 are in turn supported between a column 51 and a pairof vertical frame members 52 and 54 respectively. Vertical frame members52 and 54 are respectively secured to a pair of beams 56 and 58supported between column 51 and beam 21.

Rigidly connected to shaft 42 and projecting upwardly therefrom is apair of lever arm members 60 and 62. It is apparent that lever 35 isformed by plate members 36, 38 and 40, and arm members 60 and 62, andthat lever 35 is pivotally supported intermediate its ends onframework53 by shaft 42. Mounted on the upper ends of arm members 60 and 62respectively, is a pair of channel sections 64 and 66 at the upper endof the lever in which are mounted counterwveights. Channel members 64and 66 extend laterally from the vertical axis of arm members 60, 62 andplate members 38 and 40 with the result that the net force acting on thelever due to the position of the counter-weights biases the lever torotate in a counterclockwise direction about bearings 44 and 46 asviewed in the right hand portion of FIG. 1.

Extending between channel members 64 and 66 is a bumper plate 68 whichcooperates with a rubber bumper 70 mounted on support 21.Counterclockwise rotation of lever 35 to the broken line positionillustrated in the righthand portion of FIG. 1 causes bumper plate 68 toengage the rubber bumper 70 and retracts distributor 32 to a positionradially spaced from the container and out of the path of movement ofpressing plunger 22.

Rigidly connected to arm members 60 and 62 and extending in a lateraldirection therefrom to overlie the pressing plunger 22 is a pair of camplates 72 and 74 for rotatably supporting a cam roller 76 which isdisposed in the path of movement of the top of pressing plunger 22.Extending from the opposite side of arm members 60 and 62 is a pair ofshock absorbing plates 78 and 80 each having a roller 82 at their outerends for cooperating with the ends of shock absorbers mounted on column51 (one such shock absorber being indicated at 84). Shock absorber 84 isresiliently compressible by rollers 82 as lever 35 rotates about shaft42 in a counterclockwise direction. In operation, container 12 andcharger 24 are positioned underneath shield 30, and deflector 18 isfirst actuated to the full line position in FIG. 1 to deflect the flowfrom feed conveyor 14 on to delivery conveyor 16, which in turndischarges the material in a trajectory onto distributor 32. The tobaccois discharged from conveyor 16 in a continuous stream having asubstantially rectangularcross section the vertical thickness ofwhich'is determined by the speed of the conveyor, and is radiallydeflected by distributor 32 toward the periphery of the container.Consequently, the container and charger are filled with a mass ofmaterial having a slight depression at its center.

As soon as the desired amount of material is received in container 12and charger 24, deflector 18 is actuated to the broken line position ofFIG. 1 to deflect the flow from feed conveyor 14 onto delivery conveyor16L. As soon as deflector 18 is actuated, pressing plunger 22 descendsinto charger 24 to compress the tobacco into container 12. The force ofthe counter-weights in channels 64 and 66 cause lever 35 to rotate in acounterclockwise direction about shaft 42 as plunger 22 descends withroller 76 following the movement of the top of plunger 22 until theplunger moves away from the roller whereupon lever 35 continues torotate until bumper plate 68 engages bumper 70. Shield 30 is providedwith openings to accommodate the movement of lever 35 as it pivotsdistributor 32between its extended and retracted positions. I

When the material is compressed to the desired density by plunger 22,the plunger is retracted and the top of the plunger engages roller 76 torotate lever 35 in a clockwise direction against the biasing force ofthe counterweights. The filled container is removed and replaced with anempty container. Thus, while the material in container 12 is beingcompressed, the empty container 12L is being filled and the cycle ofoperation is repeated with the containers being filled and packed at thesame location. Since the material is discharged into each container froma separate single direction conveyor, the stream of material deliveredinto the container is always maintained at a constant cross sectiondetermined by the speed of the conveyor.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the hydraulic circuit for operating thepresses of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The container-charger assembly 12,24 is seated on weighing scales 99, and preferably including charger andsupporting apparatus of the type disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,732,113to W. L. Rice, dated January 24, 1956.

Reference numeral indicates a twin pump unit including a right-handseries of pumps 102, 104, 106 and 108 operated by a motor 118, and aleft-hand series of pumps 110, 112, 114 and 116 driven by a motor 120.Pumps 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 114 are connected to feed into acommon manifold 122 in turn connected with an output conduit 124extending from the pump unit. Output conduit 124 communicates with aconduit 128 through a double-solenoid, four-way valve 126L, and conduit128 communicates with a return conduit 132 through a double solenoid,four-way valve 126; Conduit 132 communicates with the reservoir of thepump unit at atmospheric pressure. When both solenoids of valves 126 and126L are deenergized, the valves are spring-biased to the positionsillustrated in FIG. 5, and conduits 124, 128 and 132 form a closedcircuit between the outlet of the pump unit and the reservoir.

Valve 126 controls communication between conduits 128, 132 and a pair ofconduits 134 and 136 communicate with cylinder 26 below and aboverespectively, the piston carried by rod 28 of pressing plunger or ram22. Conduit 136 is provided with a non-return. check valve 138.

Pump 116 feeds into a pilot pressure conduit 140 with a relief valve142. Conduit 140 intersects a conduit 144 connected between a pair ofsingle'solenoid, four-way valves and 150L. Valve 150 is spring-biased sothat when its solenoid is deenergized conduit 144 communicates with aplugged port of the valve, and when the solenoid is energized, conduit144 communicates with a conduit 146 which is in turn connected withconduit 134 and provided with a non-return check valve 148.

The reservoir of the pump unit communicates with a prefill tank 152through an overflow conduit 154. Pipes 156 and 158 connect the interiorof prefill tank 152 with a pair of pilot pressure actuated prefillvalves 160 and 162 respectively. Prefill valves 160 and 162 are alsoconnected with conduits 164 and 166 respectively, which intersectconduit 136 at a cross-connection 168. Prefill valves 160 and 162 arespring-loaded to a position shutting off communication between pipe 156and pipe 164 and between pipe 158 and pipe 166, respectively.

Prefill valve 162 is schematically illustrated in detail in FIG. a.Valves 166, 166L and 1621. are constructed identically with valve 162.Communication between conduits 166 and 158 is controlled by a valveelement 159 which is biased by a spring 161 to disconnect conduits 166and 153. Pilot pressure from conduit 176 actuates valve element 159against spring 161 to connect conduit 166 with 158. When pilot pressureis relieved, valve element 159 returns to its normal position and thefluid from the pilot pressure line drains to the reservoir throughconduit 1711 A conduit 163 bypasses valve element 161 between conduits158 and 166. Conduit 163 is provided with a check valve which permitsflow from conduit to conduit 166 when valve element 159 is closed byspring 161, but does not permit flow from conduit 166 to conduit 158.

Prefill tank 152 communicates with the top of cylinder 26 through aconduit 172 which is provided with an adjustable needle valve 174 forcontrolling the rate of flow through pipe 172.

Prefill valves 161i and 162 are actuated by fluid pressure from pilotpressure conduit 176. When solenoid 132a is energized, pilot pressureconduit 176 is communicated with conduit 1% and the pilot pressureactuates prefill valves 166 and 162 to connect conduits 156 and 158 withconduits 164 and 166 respectively. Upon deenergization of solenoid 182a,prefill valves 166 and 162 re turn to their normal position to shut oilcommunication between conduits 156 and 169 and between conduits 158 and166. The fluid from conduit 176 trapped in valves 160 and 162 thendrains into conduit 172 through pilot pressure drain conduit 171).

When the solenoid of valve 132 is energized, conduit 176 communicatesthrough the valve ports with a pilot conduit 18% between valves 182 and18212. Outlet conduit 14-1) communicates upstream of relief valve 142with a pilot conduit 184, which in turn communicates with conduit 181)through a conduit 186. Conduit 134 also communicates with valves 126 and1261. through conduits 185 and 135L, respectively. Valves 126 and 1261.are also connected by a pilot pressure drain conduit 189 whichintersects conduit 132.

A suitable construction of valve 126 is schematically illustrated indetail in FIG. 5b, in which valve 126 consists of a pilot valve member121 and a main valve member 123. Valve members 121 and 123 are biased bysprings to their neutral positions illustrated in FIG. 5b. Uponenergization of solenoid 126b, pilot pressure conduit 185 is connectedwith a conduit 125. The pressure in conduit 125 actuates valve member123 to the right as viewed in FIG. 5b to connect conduit 134 with drainconduit 132, and connect conduit 136 with output pressure 124.Conversely, when solenoid 126a is energized, pilot pressure from conduit185 is connected with a conduit 127 to actuate valve member 123 to theleft and connect conduit 134 with conduit 124, and conduit 136 withdrain conduit 132.

Cylinder 26 is provided with a cushion (not shown) beneath itsconnection with pipe 134- on which the piston carried by rod 28 restswhen plunger 22 is extended to compress the material in thecontainer-charger assembly 12, 24. Consequently, a counter-balanceconduit 1158 provided with a counter-balance restriction 15 1 connectsthe portion of the cylinder beneath the cushion with pipe 13 Hydraulicfluid is prevented from accumulating in the lower end of cylinder 26 bya bleed line 1% which, as indicated, drains to the reservoir atatmospheric pressure.

Deflector, or flap valve 18 is connected through linkage 198 with thestem or plunger of a fluid motor 260 which is spring-biased to urgedeflector 18 to the feed left direction (to delivery conveyor 161).Motor 2% is controlled by a solenoid valve 262 which is biased toconnect the piston of motor 261) with atmosphere, and which, uponenergization of its solenoid, connects the motor with a source (notshown) of air or other fluid under pressure,

r 8 to actuate the deflector to the feed right position to direct theflow from feed conveyor 1 onto delivery conveyor 16.

The electrical circuitry for the system is schematically illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7. Conveyors 16 and 16L are operated by motors which areconnected in series with normally closed switches.

With reference to FIG. 6, typical electrical circuitry for the controlsystem of conveyor 16 and 161. is illustrated. Reference numerals 212and 212L indicate the starters for the motors of conveyor 16 and 16Lrespectively. Starters and are illustrated connected between main powerlines L1 and L2 to operate in response to actuation of scale switchesand 264-1.. Scale switch 264 is normally closed and is connected inseries with a coil 2117 which operates relay contacts 2155 and 2116which are shown in their deenergized positions (i.e. contacts 265 arenormally open, and contacts 216 are normally closed). When coil 26? isenergized, contacts 2115 close and contacts open. Contacts 265 are inseries with a starter switch 2111, which corresponds with a similarstarter switch 2-11 in series with contacts 265]...

Starter switch 2111. is operable to close contacts 213L to complete acircuit from safety switch 267, relay contacts 2651i, starter switch211, contacts 211% and terminal 216 to motor starter 212L. When starterswitch 211 actuates contacts 211 a circuit is completed from switch 267,relay contacts 2115, switch 2111, terminals 216 and 213 to motor starter212. When motor starter 212 is energized, contacts 269 and 268 close toenergize solenoid 262:: to actuate the flap valve to the feed rightposition.

Assuming that both containers are empty, the main power switches andswitch 267 are closed to connect the motors with the main power source.Upon starting up the system to initially feed to the left container 12L,switch 2111 is actuated to close terminals 219L momentarily to energizecoil 212La of motor starter 212L, which in turn closes relay contacts2G9L, and switch 211L returns to its normal position. Contacts 209L areheld closed by the coil 212La to complete the circuit through relaycontacts 2651c, switch 211, terminal 215 and relay contacts 261% to coil212La to energize motor starter 21212. When the selected weight ofmaterial has been received in container 12L, switch 204L opens to shutoff motor starter 212L. When motor starter 212L shuts off, coil 267L isdeenergized due to the opening of scale switch 2641 and contacts ZIPSLopen and contacts 206L close. A circuit is then completed throughcontacts 2115, switch 211L, relay contacts 2t 6L, terminals 216 and 213to coil 212a of motor starter 212. Upon energization of coil 212a,contacts 269 and 2198 close to energize solenoid coil 262a and actuatedeflector 13 to feed material on to the right hand conveyor 16.

Motor starter 212 is energized until the selected weight of material isreceived in container 212 whereupon scale switch 264 opens to deenergizecoil 2117 and shut down motor starter 212.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates typical electrical circuitry foroperating the right hand press, it being understood that the left handpress is operated by a similar circuit. Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 7and assuming that container 12 is filled, switch 219 is actuated toclose switch contacts 219a. Switch 218 is closed to complete the circuitthrough contacts 219a. When contacts 21% are closed by switch 219,solenoid 1261) of valve 126 is energized to connect conduit 136 with themain pressure conduit 123 to actuate the press downwardly. As soon aspressing plunger 22 leaves its uppermost position, limit switch 216opens to actuate timer motor 268. When timer motor 2118 reaches the endof its time cycle, switches 262 and 263 open to deenergize solenoid 182aand connect pilot pressure line 176 with drain. Consequently valves 161iand 162 close to shut off communication between conduits 156 and 164 andbetween conduits 158 and 166. Conduit 136 is under pressure from outputline 124- from the pump unit. When plunger 22 reaches a selectedposition within the container, limit switch 221 is opened by a camoperation to energize timer motor 223. Solenoid 12612 is energizedduring the time that timer motor 223 is running. When the time cycle iscompleted switches 225, 226 and 228 open and switch 227 closes. Whenswitch 228 opens, solenoid 12612 is deenergized and valve 126 returns toits neutral position connecting conduit 136 with the pump reservoir todisconnect conduit 136 from the pump output line.

To raise pressing plunger 22, switch 221 is actuated to close contacts221a and 2211;. Switch 227 in timer 223 completes a circuit throughcontacts 221a to solenoid 126a to actuate valve 126 to a positionconnecting conduit 134 with the output pressure line 124 and 128.Pressure is then supplied by the pumps to the cylinder beneath theplunger piston. Simultaneously contacts 221b are closed by switch 221 toenergize solenoid 182a of valve 182 and connect the pilot pressure line176 with conduit 180 to open prefill valves 160 and 162. As pressingplunger 22 moves upwardly the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder above theplunger piston drains back into the prefill tank through conduits 136,164 and 166. When plunger 22 reaches its uppermost position, limitswitches 206a and 219 are returned to their normally closed positions.

When switch 286a closes, solenoid 150a is energized to connect conduit134 with holding conduit 144 and maintain the plunger in its upperposition.

After the initial start up, material is fed onto delivery conveyor 16L,and distributor 32L operates to uniform- 1y distribute the material incontainer 12L and charger 24L, When the proper weight of material isdetermined by weighing scale 99L, the scale switch 204L opens shuttingoff the motor of conveyor 16L and turning on the motor of conveyor 16.Solenoid 202a is in turn energized to move deflector 18 to deflect theflow from feed conveyor 14 onto delivery conveyor 16.

Solenoid 126La may then be energized to connect conduit 136L with outputconduit 124 to deliver pressure into the top of cylinder 26L to extendplunger 22L into the container. Lever 35L rotates counterclockwise toretract distributor 32L as the plunger moves downwardly. Conduit 134L isconnected with the reservoir to release the pressure beneath the piston.Plunger 22L remainsin its extended position to settle the material inthe container for a time determined by timer motor 212L. Upon theexpiration of the time, solenoid 126Lb is energized and solenoid 126Lais deenergized to connect conduit 134L with output conduit 124 andconnect conduit 136L with the pump reservoir through conduits 128 and132. Check valve 138L prevents the excape of pressure through conduit136L, and the fluid in cylinder 26L above the piston escapes intoprefill tank 152 through conduit 172L. Prefill timer motor 208L isenergized by limit switch 210L at the top of the pressing plunger whichin turn energizes solenoid 1S2La to control the pressure in pilotpressure conduit 176L.

During the time that plunger 22L is in its upper position, solenoid150La is energized to connect conduit 146L with output conduit 140.Thus, pressure is continuously fed to conduit 134L to compensate for anyleakage beneath the piston and hold the plunger in its upper position.

Reference numeral 222 indicates a solenoid winding which actuatessupporting cylinder for the container on the scale. When solenoid 222 isenergized, the container is supported on the scale, and when solenoid222 is deenergized, the weight of the container is shifted from thescale in a manner fully disclosed in Rice Patent No. 2,732,113.

FIG. 8 illustrates a hydraulic system for full automaticoperation oframs 22 and 22L, distributors .32 and 32L, and deflector 18. Componentand elements identical with those described in the FIG. embodiment areidentified by the same reference numerals in FIG. 8.

Delivery conduit 140 communicates with a conduit 230 connected between adouble solenoid, four-way snsaass valve 232L and a double solenoid,four-way valve 234. Valve 232L controls a fluid motor 236L whichpositions distributor 32L relative to the container. Valve 234 controlsthe position of deflector 18 through a fluid motor 238. When eithersolenoid of valve 234 is energized, the valve internally maintains theenergized position, even though the solenoid is deenergized until thesolenoid is energized. Upon energizing the other solenoid the valveshifts to the opposite position and holds in that position likewiseafter the solenoid is deenergized. Connected between valve 232L andvalve 232 is a conduit 244 which in turn communicates with a bleedconduit 246 when both solenoids of valve 232 are deenergized. Bleedconduit 246 is also provided with a nonreturn check valve 248.

Valve 232 is connected with conduits 250 and 252 connected at oppositeends of fluid motor 236 to alternately move distributor 32 into and outof the path of plunger 22. Conduit 252 is provided with an adjustableneedle valve 254. Conduit 230 communicates with conduit 144 through aholding conduit 256 which supplies pressure to valves 150 and 150L aspreviously described. Pressure is maintained in conduit 256 by. aregulator 258 at the junction of conduits 230 and 256.

An output conduit 260 is connected with pump 108 which extends to amanually operated four-way valve 2621. which in turn controls ahydraulic cylinder 264L operative to press the cover on a fluidcontainer when it is removed from the receiving and weighing station. Aconduit 263 extends between valve 262L and a similar valve 262. Valve262 is biased to a neutral position in which conduit 263 communicateswith a conduit 266 connected to drain into the reservoir. When theoperating member of valve 262 is moved downwardly as viewed in FlG. 8,the plunger of cylinder 264 is actuated by the pressure from conduit 263to project from thecylinder, and when the operating member is movedupwardly from the neutral position, the piston is retracted into thecylinder. The starter for the motor of conveyor 16 is electricallyconnected with solenoid 202a of valve 202 so that when conveyor 16 isoperating, deflector 18 is actuated by motor 200 to feed from conveyor14 to the right container-charger, assembly 12, 24. When solenoid 282ais deenergized, deflector 18 is biased to feed material into container12L. The startersfor the motors of delivery conveyors 16 and 16L areinterconnected electrically so that when the motor for conveyor 16Lstops, the motor for conveyor 16 starts, with the result that one or theother of the delivery conveyors is always in operation.

Solenoid 150a of valve 150 is energized and deenerglzed in response toactuation of a switch 206 at the top of press plunger 22. Solenoid 182::is deenergized durmg the time that pressing plunger 22 is pressingmaterial in container 12, the time being controlled by a prefill timermotor 288, operated by a limit switch 210.

To start the system into operation, pump motors 118 and 120 are startedup, sending hydraulic fluid under pressure through outlet conduit 124.With solenoids 126La and b, and 126a and -b deenergized, the fluidcirculates back to the reservoir through conduits 124,128 and 132.Outlet conduit and pilot pressure conduit 184 are connected with theoutput of pump 116, and with solenoids a and 150La deenergized, pressureis trapped in conduits 140 and 144 since conduit 144 communicates withthe plugged ports of valves 150 and IStFL. Excessive pressureis releasedfrom conduit 146 by relief valve 142.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates typical electrical cir-,

area As it It Reference numeral 269 identifies the coil of a steppingswitch having a common terminal 27% which is connected with steppingswitch contacts 272 through 283. To initially start up the system, areset switch 284 is closed to set the stepping switch in its initialposition. Relay contacts 2% and 289 are normally open and are closedwhen the selected weight of material is received in container 12. Limitswitches 291 and 292 are operated upon retraction of the cone. Limitswitch 291 is normally closed and is opened upon retraction of thedistributor, and limit switch 292 is normally open and is closed uponretraction of the distributor. Limit switch 299 is normally open and isclosed upon retraction of distributor 32. Limit switch 3% is normallyclosed and is opened by the pressing plunger when the plunger is fullyextended into the container. Limit switch 313 is normally closed and isopened upon extension of distributor 32 into the path of plunger 22.

In the automatic system of FIG. 8, conveyors 16 and ML both operatecontinuously in opposite directions. To start the system into operation,main power switch 271 is closed and reset switch 284 is closed to startthe stepping switch into operation. In the first posi tion of thestepping switch, contacts 273 are closed and solenoid 234a is energizedto cause flap valve 18 to feed onto the right hand conveyor 16. Pilotlight 3'89 burns to indicate that the cycle has begun. Distributor cone32 is actuated to its extended position in the path of flow fromconveyor 16. When the selected weight of material is received in thecontainer-charger assembly 32, 24, relay contacts .239 close to move thestepping switch to its second position. In the second position, steppingswitch contacts 274 and 2'75 close and contacts 273 open. Upon closingof contacts 274 solenoid 23412 is energized to actuate deflector 155 tofeed onto conveyor 16L. Con tacts 275 energize solenoid 232a to retractdistributor cone 32 out of the path of plunger 22. When distributor 32reaches its retracted position it opens limit switch 291 and closeslimit switch 292, and 299. Limit switch 292 moves the stepping switch tothe third position closing contacts 276 and 277 and opening contacts2'54 and 275. When contacts 276 are closed, solenoid 12617 is energizedto actuate the pressing plunger 22 to move downwardly into thecontainer. As soon as plunger 22 leaves its uppermost position, limitswitch 311, located at the top of the pressing plunger, opens todeenergize relay coil 2% which in turn opens relay contact 395 to starttimer motor 302 into operation. As soon as pressing plunger 22 reachesits lowermost position, limit switch sea opens to start timer motorFrill into operation. Limit switch 3% may be operated in anyconventional manner, such as by a cable attached at one end to thepressing plunger and extending over a pulley on the cylinder formechanical connection with limit switch 39%.

During the time plunger 22 is traveling downwardly, timer motor 3G2 isoperating and solenoid 182a is energized to hold prefill valves 166i and162 in their open position. Timer 3% starts into operation as soon asplunger 22 reaches its lowermost position due to actuation of limitswitch 3%. When the end of the time cycle of motor 301 is reachedcontacts 397 close to actuate the stepping switch to the fourthposition. When the stepping switch moves to the fourth position,stepping switch contacts 2'78 close and contacts are and 277 open. Whenrelay contacts 278 close relay coil 3493 is energized to energizesolenoid 12nd. Upon energization of relay coil 3%, relay contacts 3%close to energize solenoid 132a and open prefill valves lied and M2 topermit conduits 136, 164 and 166 to drain into prefill tank 152 as theplunger moves upwardly. When the plunger 22 reaches its uppermostposition, limit switch Sill closes to energize relay coil 2%. When coil2% is energized, relay contacts 235' open, and relay contacts ass and2337 close to deenergize solenoid 126a and relay coil 303. Upon closingi2 of relay contacts 286, the stepping switch moves to the fifthposition closing stepping switch contacts 279 and 23%. Upon closing ofcontacts 279, solenoid 23212 is energized to extend distributor 32 intoits operative position above charger The above described operationcompletes the cycle for a single stroke operation of the pressingplunger.

In the event that it is desired to compress the material twice in thecontainer to obtain the proper density, a timer motor 326; may beconnected in the system to be operated by a limit switch 362.Accordingly, when a first selected weight of material is received in thecontainer, plunger 22 will fully extend to actuate limit switch 3% atthe lowermost position of the plunger. Upon subsequent completion of thefilling operation, the plunger will compress the additional material andactuate limit switch 362.

FIGS. 3 and 4- disclose a modified version of the invention; componentsidentical in construction with corresponding components of thepreviously described embodiment being identified by like referencenumerals. In FIG. 3, distributor 32 is supported on an L shaped supportmember as movably mounted on a fixed beam 38. Formed at the top of thevertical leg of support member as is a yoke having a pair of rollers 92rotatably mounted thereon for movably supporting the distributor on beam83.

When an empty container 12 is positioned underneath pressing plunger 22,support member 86 is moved to the full line position of FIG. 3 to extenddistributor 32 into the path of flow of material from conveyor 16 andinto the path of movement of pressing plunger 22. As material falls fromthe discharge end of conveyor 16 onto the apex or" distributor 32, it isdeflected radially toward the periphery of the container as previouslydescribed. When the proper amount of material has been discharged intocontainer 12 and charger 24, support member 86 is moved to the brokenline position to retract distributor 32 out of the path of movement ofpressing plunger 22. and the material is compressed within the containerby plunger 22.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it should be understood that the invention is not confined tothe precise construction shown, and that various alterations andmodifications are possible without departing from the scope of theinventron.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for filling containers and compacting the material thereincomprising in combination;

a plurality of fixed horizontally spaced receiving stations forreceiving the containers,

a plurality of conveyors each disposed to deliver material to anassociated receiving station and being situated in a fixed positionrelative to the associated receiving station,

means for feeding a continuous stream of material to the conveyors,

means for selectively deflecting the flow of material from the feedingmeans to a conveyor,

and means operative to compact the material at one receiving stationwhile material is being delivered to another receiving station.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 further including a distributor ofconical configuration having an apex disposed in the path of flow of thematerial from the conveyor.

3. The combination defined in claim 2 including vibrating means mountedon the distributor.

4. Apparatus for filling a pair of horizontally spaced stationarilypositioned containers with compressible material and compacting thematerial therein comprising;

a pair of conveyors each movable in one direction only disposed todeliver material into one of the containers at a fixed position relativeto the container,

means for feeding a continuous stream of material to a point between theconveyors,

means for selectively deflecting the flow from the feeding means to oneor the other of the conveyors,

and means operative to alternately compact the material in each one ofthe containers while the other container is receiving material from itsassociated conveyor.

5. Apparatus for filling containers with material and compacting thematerial therein comprising;

a pair of horizontally spaced receiving stations for receiving thecontainers to be filled,

a pressing plunger at each receiving station reciprocably movablebetween an extended position to compress material in the container and aretracted position in which the pressing plunger is axially spaced fromthe receiving station,

a pair of delivery conveyors each having one end disposed to delivermaterial to one of the receiving stations,

a deflector mounted for pivotal movement at a point between the otherends of the delivery conveyors,

a feed conveyor for discharging material onto the defiector,

and means operable to actuate the deflector to alternately deflect theflow from the feed conveyor to one or the other of the deliveryconveyors, and operable to extend the pressing plunger at the receivingstation of said one delivery conveyor and retract the pressing plungerfor the receiving station of the other delivery conveyor.

6.-The combination of claim further including a dis tributor at eachreceiving station movable into and out of the path of movement of itsassociated pressing plunger as the pressing plunger is retracted andextended respectively, said distributor having a conical configurationwith the apex thereof disposed in the path of flow from the deliveryconveyer.

7. The combination defined in claim 6 further including a vibratormounted on the distributor.

8. Apparatus for filling and packing compressible material in acontainer comprising;

a conical distributor mounted for movement between an extended positionaxially disposed above the mouth of the container and a retractedposition radially spaced from the container,

means for delivering a stream of compressible material on to the apex ofthe conical distributor to be deflected by the conical distributortoward the periphery of the inner wall of the container when the conicaldistributor is in its extended position,

and means movable into the container to compress the material in thecontainer upon retraction of the conical distributor.

9. The combination defined in claim 8 including means for vibrating theconical distributor.

10. Apparatus for filling a container with compressible material andcompacting the material in the container comprising in combination;

a distributor supported for pivotal movement between an extendedposition above the mouth of the container and a retracted positionradially spaced from the mouth of the container,

a pressing plunger movable to an extended position to compress materialwithin the container and movable to a retracted position axially spacedfrom the container,

said pressing plunger operatively connected to actuate the distributorfrom its extended position to its retracted position as the plungermoves from its retracted position to its extended position, and actuatethe distributor from its retracted position to its extended position asthe plunger moves from its extended position to its retracted position.

11. Apparatus for filling a container with compressible material andcompacting the material in the containers comprising in combination;

a distributor supported for pivotal movement between an extendedposition above the mouth of the container and a retracted positionradially spaced from the container,

means biasing the distributor to its retracted position,

a pressing plunger mounted for axial movement. relative to the containerbetween an extended position to compress material within the containerand a retracted position spaced above the container,

and means engageable by the plunger as it moves from its extendedposition to its retracted position to actuate the distributor to itsextended position against the force of the biasing means.

12. Apparatus for packing compressible material in a containercomprising in combination;

a pressing plunger vertically extensible to compress material in acontainer positioned beneath the press-' ing plunger and retractable toa vertically spaced position above the container,

a lever pivotally supported intermediate its ends,

a conical distributor mounted on one end of the lever,

a cam member mounted on the lever and projecting therefrom into the pathof movement of the pressing plunger for engagement by the pressingplunger to pivotally rotate the lever to a position in which the conicaldistributor is axially disposed between the pressing plunger and thecontainer when the pressing plunger is retracted,

and a counter-weight on the other end of the lever biasing the lever topivotally rotate the conical distributor out of the path of the pressingplunger.

13. The combination defined in claim 12 further including means forvibrating the conical distributor.

14. Apparatus for filling a pair of horizontally spaced containers withcompressible material and compressing the material in the containers,comprising;

a pair of horizontally spaced pressing plungers vertically extensible tocompress material in containers positioned axially beneath the plungersand retractable to a vertically spaced position above the containers,

a pair of distributors each supported for pivotal movement between anextended position in which it is axially disposed above one of thecontainers in the path of movement of the respective pressing plungers,and a retracted position in which it is disposed out of the path of thepressing plungers,

means for feeding a continuous stream of material to a point between thepressing plungers,

and means for alternately directing the stream of materialfirst onto oneof the extended distributors until the container beneath it'is filledand then on to the other distributor,

said pressing plunger each operatively connected to actuate itsassociated distributor from its extendedposition to its retractedposition upon extension of the pressing plunger and to actuate thedistributor from its retracted position to its extended position uponretraction of the pressing plunger.

15. Apparatus for filling a pair of horizontally spaced containers withcompressible material and compressing the materialin the containerscomprising;

first and second horizontally spaced pressing plungers verticallyextensible to compress material in containers positioned axially beneaththe plungers and a cam member connected with each of the first andsecond distributors engageable by the first and second pressingplungers, respectively, upon retraction of the pressing plungers toactuate the distributors to a position axially disposed beneath thepressing plungers,

and means for feeding a stream of material first onto one of thedistributors and then on to the other to alternately fill the containersbeneath the pressing plungers.

16. A method of filling and packing a container with compressiblematerial comprising;

positioning a vibrating distributor over the mouth of the container,

feeding the material in a continuous stream onto the vibratingdistributor to agitate and distribute the material toward the peripheryof the container until a selected amount of the material is received inthe container,

removing the vibrating distributor to an inoperative position spacedfrom the mouth of the container,

and compressing the material in the container.

17. A method of filling and packing containers with tobacco or othercompressible material comprising;

positioning a pair of containers at horizontally spaced Weighingstations,

positioning a vibrating distributor over the mouth of each container,

feeding a continuous stream of material to a point between thecontainers,

directing the stream of material first onto one of the distributorsuntil the container beneath said one distributor is filled with aselected weight of material,

directing the stream of material onto the other distributor to fill theother container with a selected Weight of material,

retracting said one distributor to an inoperative position spaced fromsaid one container and compressing the material in said one containerWhile Said other container is being filled.

18. A method of filling and packing containers with compressiblematerial comprising;

positioning a pair of containers at horizontally-spaced receivingstations,

positioning a vibrating distributor over the mouth of each container,

alternately feeding a continuous stream of material first onto one ofthe vibrating distributors to agitate and distribute the material towardthe periphery of its associated container until filled and then onto theother of the vibrating distributors,

retracting each vibrating distributor to a position spaced from itsassociated container when filled,

and compressing the material in each container upon retraction of itsassociated vibrating distributor while the other container is beingfilled.

19. A method of filling and packing containers with compressiblematerial comprising;

feeding a continuous stream of material into the container,

positioning a vibrating distributor in the path of fiow of the materialinto the container to agitate and distribute the material toward theperiphery of the container,

moving the vibrating distributor to a position spaced from the containerwhen the container is filled,

and compressing the material in the container.

23*. Apparatus for filling containers with material and compacting thematerial therein comprising in combination;

a pair of horizontally spaced stations for receiving the containers tobe filled,

a pressing plunger at each receiving station reciprocably movablebetween an extended position to corn press material in the container anda retracted position in which the pressing plunger is axially spacedfrom the receiving station,

means including a pivotal deflector for alternately delivering materialto said stations,

and means operable to actuate the deflector to change the delivery fromone of said stations to the other of said stations and to extend thepressing plunger at said one station for compaction and retract thepressing plunger at the other station.

21. Apparatus for filling compressible material in a containercomprising in combination;

a conical distributor mounted for movement between an extended positionaxially disposed above the mouth of the container and a retractedposition radially spaced from the axis of the container,

and means for delivering a stream of compressible material onto the apexof said distributor to be distributed thereby toward the periphery ofthe container when said distributor is in its extended position.

22. The combination as defined in claim 21 further including means forvibrating said distributor.

23. Apparatus for filling a container with compressible material andcompacting the material in the container comprising in combination;

a distributor,

means supporting the distributor for pivotal movement between anextended position above the mouth of the container and a retractedposition radially spaced from the axis of the container,

a pressing plunger movable to an extended position to compress materialwithin the container and to an opposite retracted position forpermitting the container to be filled with material, and

means for actuating said distributor to its retracted position when thepressing plunger moves to its extended position and for actuating saiddistributor to its extended position when said plunger moves to itsretracted position.

References (Iited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,018,925 2/12Pruden 137-119 1,380,674 6/21 Murray et al. 141-80 1,539,370 5/25 Ranch137-119 2,257,347 9/41 Raymer 141-248 XR 2,273,735 2/42 Raymer 141-248XR 2,596,018 5/52 Fishburne et al. 141-12 2,619,272 11/52 Boehling141-248 XR 2,675,154 4/54 Fishburne 141-12 2,689,676 9/54 Ferguson etal. 141-12 2,732,113 1/56 Rice 177-152 LAVERNE D. GEIGER, PrimaryExaminer.

16. A METHOD OF FILLING AND PACKING A CONTAINER WITH COMPRESSIBLEMATERIAL COMPRISING; POSITIONING A VIBRATING DISTRIBUTOR OVER THE MOUTHOF THE CONTAINER, FEEDING THE MATERIAL IN A CONTINOUS STREAM ONTO THEVIBRATING DISTRIBUTOR TO AGITATE AND DISTRIBUTE THE MATERIAL TOWARD THEPERIPHERY OF THE CONTAINER UNTIL A SELECTED AMOUNT OF THE MATERIAL ISRECEIVED IN THE CONTAINER, REMOVING THE VIBRATING DISTRIBUTOR TO ANINOPERATIVE POSITION SPACED FROM THE MOUTH OF THE CONTAINER, ANDCOMPRESSING THE MATERIAL IN THE CONTAINER.